How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

Through a friend. I thought I wished my insurance would cover it so I could afford it. That was several years ago when insurance would not cover it like they do today.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I did not have any problem with insurance approval. In fact they called me and told me it was approved before they called my doctors office and told me if I needed anything just let them know. Be sure to list any problems: like your feet hurt, knees hurt to walk, you get short of breath anything.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

It was like I knew him for a long time. He was very up front and didn't mind answering any questions. Be sure to take a list of questions you want to ask the doctor. My doctor required a diary of what you eat. I already had that because Terri his receptionist already told me that when I made the appointment.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had my mind made up before I went to see the surgeon. My mom passed away last year and one of her last request was for her daughters to lose weight. I had tried everything from dieting to diet pills and I could lose but it always came back. I was ready for something permanent.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had surgeries before so Dr. Nye didn't even consider the Lap.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I knew when I went into surgery there would be a chance of complications, but I prayed and asked God to take care of me. I did not have a fear of dying because I knew I was ready to go if it was my time. I knew if I didn't have this surgery I could die from being overweight.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My family and friends were behind me 100%. Even after surgery everyone has really encouraged me.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

My employer is my Uncle. So I didn't have a problem. I was out of work 4 weeks and came back on light duty.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My stay in the hospital was great. I was there 4 days. The most important thing to bring was your personal items. I wore the hospital gown most of the time with my house coat. Take you something to read. I did but never read anything because I was to busy try to walk, walk, walk so I could go home.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

Just at the bottom of my incesion. It was wanting to drain. It took about 4 weeks for it to heal up.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I only had about 2 weeks to get nervous. I got a surgery date 2 weeks after my inital appointment. I just stayed busy.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

The first few weeks was rough. I didn't do to good on the full liquid diet. I hate broth. But I survived.... Just hang in there. It will get better.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I traveled about 30 miles.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I can pretty much eat anything I want. I just have to remember to eat slow. Ranch dressing I could not handle very well. I am usually full after about 3-4 bites.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I was not very active. I would take short walks. I am now up to 2 miles a day with no problems.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take one a day multie vitamin & the doctor gives me a B12 shot every month.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I have not had any side effects. I have vomited about 10 times total.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Just getting over the soreness and the NG tube.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

Sorry to say I have not had time to get into a support group. I am just to busy.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

My scar is small and healing good. I expected it to be a whole lot bigger. So I am pleased.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No